News Summary
Diner Antonette, a reimagining of Ingo’s Tasty Diner, has opened in Santa Monica, featuring an updated interior, a retail wine shop, and a fresh menu focused on American bistro cuisine. The establishment honors the owner’s late mother and aims to be a beloved neighborhood institution with seasonal dishes and a vibrant bar program. Diner Antonette also plans to introduce brunch and quick-service lunch options soon.
Santa Monica – Diner Antonette, a reimagining of the former Ingo’s Tasty Diner, officially opened its doors on June 18, 2023. The new establishment, owned by Bob Lynn, has been revamped to honor his late mother, Antonette. The restaurant is not only a dining venue but also features an adjacent retail wine shop, a gift boutique, and a hidden back patio, expanding the dining and retail experience for patrons.
With a fresh interior design that includes warm neutral tones and sophisticated black leather upholstery, Diner Antonette departs from the darker teal theme and chalkboard display of its predecessor. The decor is complemented by three showcased paintings from Bob Lynn’s wife, artist Sara Abbott. Externally, the restaurant boasts a newly updated Art Deco Streamline Moderne facade complete with a vibrant neon sign, while preserving the building’s original terrazzo flooring.
The restaurant’s backstory includes Lynn’s long-standing ownership of the building since before the opening of Ingo’s in 2014. He secured the location after waiting for the previous owner of the former Callahan’s diner to retire. The nearby original Vienna Bakery, which served the community for 57 years, closed in 2021, providing Lynn with an opportunity to expand Diner Antonette’s space. Renovations conducted between 2021 and 2025 revealed previously hidden ceiling and catwalk mezzanines, adding unique architectural elements to the dining experience.
Bob Lynn operates seven restaurants across Los Angeles and the Phoenix area, including The Misfit in Santa Monica. Notably, two of his Pasadena establishments, La Grande Orange and Luggage Room Pizzeria, recently closed after 18 and 10 years, respectively. Lynn’s strategic approach involves acquiring buildings to ensure long-term success for his ventures, evidenced by his commitment to transforming the diner into a beloved neighborhood institution reminiscent of historical diners such as Callahan’s and Vienna Bakery.
Diner Antonette’s menu has been refreshed to focus on American bistro cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include poached baby artichokes, pan-roasted Scottish salmon, and several classics such as Ingo’s cherished crispy Brussels sprouts, meatballs, steak au poivre, and a cheddar-topped burger made with ground-to-order meat. New offerings feature whole roast branzino Provençal and handmade pasta topped with Dungeness crab and lobster. For dessert, guests can indulge in an olive oil cake infused with saffron, accompanied by gelato sourced from Grateful Spoon in Phoenix.
The bar program at Diner Antonette highlights quality, with an emphasis on small-producer wines and innovative cocktails. Lynn aims to pivot the menu regularly based on seasonality rather than maintaining a static selection throughout the year, ensuring variety and freshness for repeat customers.
In addition to its current offerings, Diner Antonette plans to introduce brunch service and a quick-service lunch menu in the near future. The restaurant operates daily, with a happy hour starting at 4 p.m. and dinner service commencing at 5 p.m.
Diner Antonette is located at 1213 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90403, serving as a new cornerstone for the community and a tribute to the classic American diner experience.
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Diner Antonette Opens in Santa Monica
- Google Search: Diner Antonette Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Daily Press: Restaurant Openings and Closings
- Wikipedia: Santa Monica
- Eater: Luggage Room and La Grande Orange Closing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pasadena
- Pasadena Now: Iconic Restaurants Close
- Google News: Pasadena Restaurants Closing
